There is a growing trend online around embracing nostalgia and all things retro, with searches for ‘nostalgia’ up 50% YoY, seeing 50K google searches in the UK across August alone. And whilst the trend has mainly taken shape within the fashion industry, it’s slowly making its way into other industries, such as interior design.
With trends such as ‘dopamine decor’ and maximalism gaining popularity in recent years, there’s a clear move away from neutral design and towards personality-driven interiors. Similarly, nostalgia-core is all about nodding to your ‘inner child’ and embracing touches of sentimentality.
Are Brits making more colourful interior design choices?
Looking into their sales data since the start of 2024, 247 Blinds found that colour blinds accounted for over a fifth (22%) of roller blind sales and almost half (46%) of Roman blind sales. Among the fastest growing colourways, blue was revealed to be the leading choice making up around 11% of all orders, with green also experiencing a steady rise over the last twelve months.
Interestingly, multicolour is currently the third most popular colourway for both Roman and roller blinds suggesting consumers are becoming more playful with their interior choices.
How can a more nostalgic and colourful home impact you?
In partnership with 247 Blinds, Momtaz Begum-Hossain, Colour Therapist, explains the link between colour and wellbeing.
“We tend to absorb the energy of the colours that surround us, whether it’s from what we’re wearing, or the shades of our surroundings. That’s why being in an environment filled with bright colours can have such a positive impact on us, lifting us up, making us smile and boosting our mood. Warm brights like yellow, orange, red and pink contribute to this ‘feel good factor’; so even if it’s grey and raining outside, or if you’re having a bad day, these colours will continue to vibrate positive rays.
“Nostalgia-core is all about filling your home with colours that make you feel happier because if you see things that give you joy every day, like a favourite cushion, blinds, or bedspread, you automatically feel better which trickles into other parts of your life.
“Spaces that are too minimal with white walls and limited soft furnishings, on the other hand, can feel stagnant with no energy flow; that’s why pops of colour as a minimum are vital. And don’t forget that your home is also a celebration of you. It’s a sanctuary where you can express yourself and inviting colour into your surroundings is one way you can encourage your personality to shine through creating a greater sense of satisfaction when you ‘go home’ after a long day, or after being away.”
Easy and budget-friendly ways to introduce a nostalgia-like feel into your home
Ellie Kennedy, interior expert at 247 Blinds shares her top tips.
Let colour be your North Star
“Unlike other trends, nostalgia-core isn’t tied to any specific colourway. Instead, it is all about working with colours you naturally gravitate towards. This might be a colour scheme that feels similar to your childhood bedroom or one that takes you back to one of your comfort shows. Creating a space centred around a feeling of ease and fond memories is a great place to start, especially if you find yourself both energised and relaxed by this.
“Often the key to nailing nostalgia-core is to actively break any interior or colour ‘rules’ you might feel restricted by. Throw the colour wheel out of the window and allow yourself to explore more playful – even youthful – colour combinations.”
Bring in nods to retro through focal points
“With colour creating the perfect canvas, the next step is to introduce specific retro or sentimental items that stir up those feelings of nostalgia. To keep your space from feeling outdated, bring these items in through smaller statements whether that be painting your skirting points a daring colour or quickly switching out your window dressings to a funky, patterned no-drill roller blind.
“The nostalgia-core trend requires a considered balance between contemporary freshness and individuality. Too many nostalgic or retro touches and the space will quickly feel both outdated and cluttered. Avoid throwing items together for the sake of it, but instead take your time to choose a handful of more playful soft furnishings and decorative items that genuinely make you feel good, as that’s at the core of nostalgia-core after all! ”
